Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 April 2017
233. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if private contractors providing school transport during the bus strikes will be paid as normal, particularly those which may have covered extra routes during the industrial action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16636/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.
Currently almost 116,000 children, including some 12,000 children with special educational needs, are being transported in over 4,000 vehicles on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country covering over 100 million kilometres annually.
Under the contract agreement with each contractor, payment in respect of amounts due to the contractor will be made within 30 days of a correctly completed invoice being received by Bus Éireann and payments will continue to be made in line with the contract agreement.
The Department has been advised by Bus Éireann that school transport contractors have been informed by Bus Éireann that due to industrial action beyond their control there was a delay processing payments of invoices last week.
Bus Éireann has however further advised that they have put in place a process that will ensure that payments due will be made this week.
